Worcester tells voters when, where, but not who to vote for

WORCESTER — The Election Commission has added a new feature to its website that will tell voters when and where they are eligible to vote.

A resident can type in his or her name and date of birth and, in addition to giving a breakdown of information — including the voter's district, ward and precinct — the site now also lists the next upcoming election that the person is eligible vote in, as well as the date of that election.

Joshua D. Meduna, assistant director of elections for the city, said it is hoped the additional information will clear up any confusion people may have as the Aug. 13 primary for state representative in the 16th Worcester District approaches.

Voters may "hear about candidates debating and think they should be voting on Tuesday," he said. "Since it's a special election, they might not understand what part of the city that district encompasses."

To access the tool, residents can visit the city's website, www.worcesterma.gov, and click on the "Where Do I Vote?" link on the right side of the page.

In 2010, the district lines were redrawn based on the most recent census data. The city sent out mailings to the all the households that were affected, Mr. Meduna said, and there have been eight elections since then so there will likely be minimal, if any, confusion due to that change.

The 16th Worcester District includes Grafton Hill, most of Vernon Hill, Quinsigamond Village, Green Island and the Massasoit Road area. Tuesday's primary election will be followed by a general election scheduled for Sept. 10. The Democratic candidates are Daniel Donahue, Khrystian King, Daniele Nanni, James M. O'Brien and Joshua Perro. Republican Carol Claros has no opposition in the primary.

Mr. Meduna said voters registered as Democrats or Republicans will get their own party's ballot. Unenrolled voters can choose which primary they would like to participate in Tuesday. Voting in a primary does not enroll a person in that party.

Contact Alli Knothe at aknothe@telegram.com. Follow her on Twitter @KnotheA